Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dinner recipes: the creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! This dish is a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender pieces of chicken sautéed to golden perfection, nestled among sautéed mushrooms and vibrant, fresh spinach, all enveloped in a lush, creamy sauce. Trust me, it’s as satisfying as it sounds! Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own, this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (I love using cremini or button mushrooms)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (the richer, the better!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade is awesome if you have it!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect sauté)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this, it adds so much flavor!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I suggest starting with a pinch of each)
How to Prepare the Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. I promise it’ll be easier than you think!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab your skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. This is super important—medium heat helps the chicken cook evenly without burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers a bit; that’s your cue to get cooking!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and starts to turn golden. Keep an eye on it, though—garlic can go from perfectly cooked to burnt in a flash, and we don’t want that!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to add your diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides. You want that beautiful golden color! Make sure the pieces are evenly spaced in the pan so they cook properly—no crowding allowed!
Step 4: Add Mushrooms
Once the chicken is looking good, it’s time to add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for another 4-5 minutes until they’re tender. This step is crucial because those mushrooms soak up all the flavors and add a lovely earthy taste to the dish.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. This is where the magic happens! A gentle simmer means the flavors will meld together beautifully. Let it bubble away for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Incorporate Heavy Cream
Now, stir in that luscious heavy cream. You’ll want to mix it in well until everything is combined and creamy. It should have a nice, thick consistency that coats your chicken and veggies perfectly.
Step 7: Mix in Fresh Spinach
Next, toss in the fresh spinach and stir it gently until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll see the vibrant green color come to life, and it’ll look absolutely gorgeous!
Step 8: Season to Taste
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your liking! Give it a taste test to find that perfect balance—this is where you can make it truly yours!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional aspects of this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! It’s always good to know what’s in your food, right? Just keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical values:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
So whether you’re counting macros or just want a hearty meal, this dish has you covered with a good balance of protein and flavor! Enjoy every creamy bite without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, sautéed mushrooms, and tender chicken creates a rich, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Spinach Boost: With a generous amount of fresh spinach, you’re adding nutrients and vibrant color to your meal—talk about a win-win!
- Versatile Pairing: Serve it over rice or pasta, or enjoy it on its own—this dish can be adapted to fit your cravings perfectly!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or a gathering with friends, this skillet dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables make a world of difference in flavor. Don’t skimp on the freshness—your taste buds will thank you!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the chicken to brown properly for that delicious depth of flavor. Patience is key here; it helps develop those lovely caramelized notes!
- Adjust the Cream: If you want a lighter version, feel free to substitute half-and-half or even a bit of Greek yogurt. Just keep an eye on the consistency!
- Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs and spices. A pinch of thyme or some red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet to keep things exciting! Here are some fun ideas that I absolutely love:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp or diced turkey for a different twist. Both options cook up beautifully and soak up that creamy sauce!
- Mix in Other Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes can bring a lovely pop of color and flavor!
- Change the Greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, kale or Swiss chard make excellent alternatives. Just remember to chop them up well and sauté until tender.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It really amps up the flavor profile!
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme can add a delightful freshness. Stir them in right before serving for an aromatic finish!
Feel free to mix and match these variations based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. The beauty of this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is its versatility, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from that tasty creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet? You’ll want to store them properly to keep all that delicious flavor intact! Here’s how I do it:
First, let it cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any condensation that could make your dish soggy. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key to keeping everything creamy and delightful. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a little bit of water to help revive the creaminess, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This method keeps the texture nice and smooth!
If you’re in a rush, you can also pop it in the microwave. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to avoid splatters. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed to your liking. Remember, the goal is to heat it gently to keep that creamy goodness!
So there you have it—enjoy those leftovers as much as the first time around, and don’t forget to savor every creamy bite!
For more information on the benefits of spinach, check out this article on Healthline.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit this study from the National Institutes of Health.
Print
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Mix in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve with rice or pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet
